First post - please bear with the newbie. I want to upgrade my system, and I'm posting this here because I think the receiver is my most glaring weakpoint. I currently have a Sony STR-DE945, Ohm-2s with Walsh drivers (that I absolutely love), rear in-ceiling Niles surrounds, a Panasonic TH-42PWD5UY plasma, a Sony SAT-HD300 Directv receiver, JVC HR-XVS44U DVD(PS)/VHS combo, inexpensive ($60) RCA CD carousel, and a Nakamichi CR-7A cassette deck (go figure - was a pro musician in a nearlier incarnation and made demo tapes). Vinyl plays on a Thorens TD-165. Room is about 16' x 30', berber carpeting, no drapes, with cathedral ceiling over the 2/3 which is home theater space. I find the Sony gets tiring during long movies and doesn't provide all the new formats and connection bells and whistles (such as component video switching). I listen to music (Jazz/classical/vocal) a good deal, but primarily watch movies (DVD) and PBS/Discovery HD channels. I don't want to spend huge $$, so have been looking at receivers in the $500-800 range. (Yam V1500/V2500, Denon 2805/3805, Sony DA5000ES, HK 435/635). All seem to have similar functionality/specs. I was a classical musician, so am looking for accuracy and beauty more than visceral impact. There are many video stores (mostly box stores or very high-end) in DC, but none carry the Ohms, so it is difficult to audition receivers. Any ideas from the members here?
